Illinois reactions to President Joe Biden's State of the Union address this week predictably fell largely along partisan political lines.
The President touted accomplishments of his first two years in office, andsays he aims to "finish the job" he started.
Democratic Congressman Eric Sorensen says he was encouraged to hear the president talk about job creation and infrastructure...but he says he wants to hear more about the president's plans for the Midwest.
"We've got people that are ready to do jobs that don't exist," he said. "We've gotta fight for the people who are right here at home."
Republican Congressman Darin LaHood says while he agrees with a bipartisan approach to issues like threats from China and the opioid epidemic, he also said the president didn't present many new ideas in his address. LaHood said Biden should work with congressional Republicans to "find commonsense solutions."
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth likewise said that she wants to put aside partisan fighting. She said Democrats are getting things done despite Republican obstruction.
Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, whose district includes Mason County and part of Fulton County, didn't attend the speech at all. She gave her guest ticket to a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who left the military because of his opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
